quinnt

I seem to have the opposite problem of everyone else, my tailgate won't CLOSE. It seems the little piece of metal that rotates around the pin to hold close shuts too early and the tailgate bounces off of it.

I'm not really sure how to go about fixing this. Suggestions?

RENIXBEAST

I would take the panel off and look to see if anythings messed up. Then if necessary remove the latch assembly and replace with a junkyard one.

quinnt

I couldn't visibly see anything wrong, I tried to get the 2 torx head screws holding the assembly in off but they're on there pretty damn good.

ehudpower

Well what kind of backend do you have? Do u have the handle kind or the one where u push in where you put the key at?

96_xj

are you sure that the latch is "open" sometimes the latch will be in the "closed" position. Take a screw driver and pop it open so it can close

quinnt

Yeah I'm sure it's opened. I have to lift the handle then stick a screwdriver in to flip the latch to the open position, but when I go to shut it the latch closes before it's around the pin.

Cherockee

maybe you're not opening the latch enough then. there is nothing that would cause it to begin closing before it hits the pin. does the latch feel floppy and loose of does it offer resistance like it's on a spring? floppy and loose means it's broken- replace it.

brave new world

Sounds like loose internal pieces. If it is open as you state but closes prior to touching the metal catch, then something inside is moving it forward prematurely. If it is touchiing the metal catch and then closing then I would guess that it is not fully open.

quinnt

Is it possible something forces the latch to stay open until it catches and it either wore out or broke? Kind of like a spring or stopper?

roach1143

the pin may have shifted too far back and the latch wont quite catch around it. mine did that because of RUST. just loosen the two 1/2"? nuts a few turns and try tapping the pin toward the rear, tighten, and try to shut the tailgate

hope this helps